Public Opinion Poll Overview

Americans Speak Out About the Arts

Americans Speak Out About the Arts has been updated!

The full 2018 study, infographics, and summary reports will be available on this page following the September 2018 release, in the meantime these are the findings shared during the keynote speech at our Annual Convention:

73 percent of Americans believe the arts help them understand other cultures better, up 11 percent compared to 2015—a finding that was agreed upon regardless of age, race, and ethnicity.

Not only are the arts a source of personal pleasure to participate in, but 72 percent agree the arts unify our communities, regardless of age, race, and ethnicity.

9 in 10 Americans believe that having arts spaces in their communities improve the quality of life. Related, 86 percent believe that arts spaces are good for local businesses and the economy.

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From the 2015 study:

It’s undeniable—the arts transform people and communities every day. But how do United States citizens feel about the arts? Do they value artistic activities and arts education? Do our country’s citizens feel the arts are an important part of their lives and do they support government funding for the arts?

There’s no need to guess at the answers for these questions. New research by Americans for the Arts provides an in-depth look at the perceptions and attitudes about the arts in the United States. An Americans for the Arts and Ipsos Public Affairs survey of more than 3,000 American adults over the age of 18 in December 2015, provides current insight on topics including support for arts education and government arts funding, personal engagement in the arts, the personal benefits and well-being that come from engaging in the arts, and if/how those benefits extend more broadly to the community.

Explore and the information below to better understand how your neighbors and community members feel about the arts. Use what you learn from the public opinion poll for advocacy and storytelling, and share these discoveries through your websites, publications, and social media.

The abbreivated report Americans Speak Out About the Arts: Arts Education & Government Arts Funding's data, release during Arts Advocacy Day in March 2015, has been updated and is included within the larger report avaialble for download above. The previous out of date abbreviated report is no longer available.

Visit ArtsBlog for post from Randy Cohen, Vice President of Research and Policy at Americans for the Arts:

What Americans Believe About the Arts

The American public is more broadly engaged in the arts than previously understood—believing that the arts not only play a vital role in personal well-being and healthier communities, but that the arts are also core to a well-rounded education.

"The arts provide meaning to our lives."

63 percent of the population believe the arts "lift me up beyond everyday experiences," 64 percent feel the arts give them "pure pleasure to experience and participate in," and 73 percent say the arts are a "positive experience in a troubled world."

"We often experience the arts in unexpected places."

"Across demographic groups, the arts are part of our lives."

People of color were more likely to attend an arts event than their white counterparts (71 percent vs. 66 percent). Higher rates of attendance for people of color were noted for multiple art forms, including dance, museums, and theater.

"We donate to the arts."

27 percent of the population (more than 1 in 4 Americans) made a donation to an arts, culture, or public broadcasting organization within the past year. Donors were typically younger and had higher incomes and education.

"We believe the arts are part of a well-rounded education."

"We believe the arts should be taught in grades K-12."

90 percent believe students should receive an education in the arts in elementary school, middle school, and high school. 82 percent say the arts should also be taught outside of the classroom in the community.

"We engage in the arts because it makes us feel creative."

Among those who are personally involved in making art or displaying art in their home, 60 percent say that "arts and music outside of the home" makes them feel more creative-a rate that jumps to 70 percent for Millennials.

"Yes! Tattoos are art."

"The arts unify our communities."

The personal benefits of the arts extend beyond the individual and to the community. 67 percent of Americans believe "the arts unify our communities regardless of age, race, and ethnicity" and 62 percent agree that the arts "helps me understand other cultures better."

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Who We Are

Americans for the Arts serves, advances, and leads the network of organizations and individuals who cultivate, promote, sustain, and support the arts in America. Founded in 1960, Americans for the Arts is the nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts and arts education.